Welcome to Buellton
Gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley

By Teona Tone Schley

Above, Jack Mendenhall's classic automotive museum, where you can see vintage service station equipment and photographs. Open by appointment.

Buellton would like to be known as “Service Town, U.S.A.” Historically, this moniker referred to all of the service stations, motels and restaurants lining Highway 101 when it ran right through the center of the town. In the modern context, it refers to all of the services, and especially the quality of the services that are available in Buellton. Most importantly, Buellton has always been known for its friendly hospitality and delicious food, as well as its easy access from both Highway 101 and Highway 246. Even  though Highway 101 no longer

runs through the middle of town, there are convenient off ramps at both the northern and southern ends of town. And Highway 246, which runs from Santa Ynez all the way to Lompoc, intersects with Highway 101 right at Buellton.
If you are interested in the history of this interesting town, you might want to stop by the Buellton Historical Society’s “History Room,” located above the gift shot at Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant. It is open whenever the restaurant is open for self-guided tours. For information about events and other happenings in Buellton, call the Buellton Chamber of Commerce at 805-688-7829. In the meantime, we will provide you with a driving tour of Buellton.

Santa Barbara Blueberries
Restoration Oaks Ranch
www.restorationoaksranch.com
If you’re driving to Buellton from Santa Barbara, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to have some great family fun picking blueberries at Restoration Oaks Ranch, located on Highway 101 exactly five miles north of the Gaviota tunnel and five miles before you reach the City of Buellton. Keep an eye out for the signs on the right side of the highway. There’s easy off and on access and they’re open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. from approximately May 1st through the end of July, and perhaps even longer.
Blueberries are a favorite U-pick fruit because there are no thorns or prickers, the berries are easy to find on the neat rows of green bushes, and they do not stain your hands. Even young children can take a little bucket to fill with this great-tasting fruit that is one of nature’s best antioxidants. People are also allowed to eat while picking, because no chemical sprays are ever used on ay of the seven different varieties grown there. In addition, you save as much as 50% over store prices, so you can pick enough for a snack, or you can pick a whole flat to take home. You can freeze the fresh berries for as long as six months or you can make blueberry pie or jam.
If you don’t have the time or inclination to pick the berries yourself, you can purchase boxes of them at the stand. Either way, we hope you include this delightful stop on your visit to the Santa Ynez Valley–what else could possibly be so much fun and healthy, too? We plan to go there often ourselves this summer. For more information, call 805-686-5718.

Days Inn Windmill
www.daysinn-solvang.com
Many visitors to this area choose to stay at the Days Inn Windmill, which was featured in the movie “Sideways.” It is a Buellton landmark, formerly known as the Windmill Motor Inn, and is conveniently located on the southwest corner of the intersection of Highways 101 and 246. (Look for the windmill, you can’t miss it). Their spacious rooms feature HBO and coffee makers, and they provide toast, Danish pastries, cereals, juices and fruits for guests each morning.  Group rates are available. After a day of shopping, sightseeing or golf, you can swim in the Days Inn heated pool or relax in their spa. Show the manager the ad in this issue, or refer to it when making your reservation, and you will receive a generous 15% discount on your room rates—now that’s a savings! They also asked us to mention that they have a spacious parking lot, which is perfect for RV’s and horse trailers. When you’re making reservations, be sure to mention if you’re here for an equestrian event.

Best Western Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn
www.peasoupandersens.com
Almost across the street, next to Pea Soup Andersen’s Restaurant, you will find a delightful and historic place to stay. This is the locally owned and operated Best Western Pea Soup Andersen’s Inn. There are 97 cheerful rooms to choose from, all of which include microwave, refrigerator and continental breakfast. In addition, there is a heated pool and spa, an enclosed gazebo with fireplace and a nine-hole putting green to prepare golfers for any one of the three golf courses within a ten-minute drive.
They offer AAA and AARP discounts, and special golf, theater and wine touring packages. Biking tours are available within walking distance, as is Jack Mendenhall’s classic automotive museum. Solvang shops are only three miles down the road and the Chumash Casino a mere five miles. And, if you’re planning a family reunion or other get-together, they offer special group discounts. The local movie theater is just down the street, as are a number of other “Sideways” attractions. Their knowledgeable, local staff will help you plan your stay in the Valley to meet your personal goals and tastes.

Trikke Tekk
www.Trikke.com
One place you might be interested in visiting while you are in Buellton is the international headquarters for Trikke Tekk. This business manufactures and distributes “Trikke Carving Vehicles” all over the world. These innovative vehicles look a little like scooters, but move forward without the rider setting a foot on the ground, merely by the rider swinging his or her body in the correct way. They were designed by Brazilian Gildo Beleski, who now co-owns the business with John Simpson, who recently explained, “I was selling razor scooters in Huntington Beach in 2000 when I saw Gildo riding a Trikke–I ran after him to see what it was. So we can say that we literally met on the street.”
Simpson was very impressed with the design and exercise benefits of the Trikke, and since he had the sales expertise to help market it, the two decided to go into business together in 2002. At that time they moved to the Los Angeles area, but they both really liked the Santa Ynez Valley and decided to move their headquarters here in 2005. Since they sell mainly to retailers all over the world, they do not need a storefront retail outlet themselves, but you can still go to their headquarters at 85 Industrial Way, Suite F, and try out a Trikke. (See our map of Buellton for exact location.)

Zaca Creek Art Gallery
www.zacacreekartgallery.com
Well-known local artist Peggy Brierton opened her Buellton art gallery in 2005, and this is another place you will not want to miss. To get there, head north up Avenue of the Flags from Highway 246 and turn right on Second Street. The Zaca Creek Center is at the end of Second Street, and the art gallery is to the right. The gallery is open Monday through Friday only, as Peggy spends her weekends painting, except when she’s hosting a special show or event.
In addition to Peggy’s beautiful Valley landscapes, Zaca Creek has works by noted local artists such as Forrest Hibbits and Vera Margolis. Peggy held her first one-woman show in 1986 and is a plein air painter who also works from her own photos. She has spent many days painting on-site at Cachuma Lake, a constant source of inspiration for her.
Check Peggy’s website for the latest information about shows and special events.

Quality Inn Buellton
www.qualityinnbuellton.com
Now return to Avenue of Flags, turn right and drive all the way to the end. Along the way, notice the new sculpture garden in the center divider, which was finished in 2006. Near the end of the Avenue, you will see on your right the Quality Inn Buellton. This 60-unit hotel is quickly working toward a three-diamond rating and becoming a “Best Value,” not only in the Santa Ynez Valley, but maybe all of California (see their ad in this issue for a promotional offer). The well-appointed rooms have in-room coffee, an iron and an ironing board, the softest Egyptian cotton towels, and 65 channels of cable television, including Disney and HBO. For an extended stay, some rooms are available with kitchenettes, or you can request a microwave and refrigerator. The friendly staff will attempt to meet your every need. They even have a “pet friendly” wing, so you can travel with all of your loved ones.
All rooms have high-speed Internet access and many rooms have direct plug-in for greater security. If you don’t have a computer with you, the hotel will provide a laptop so you can catch up on what’s happening around the world.
The hotel’s desk staff will assist you in making dining reservations, planning a tour of local wineries or suggesting interesting places to visit during your stay in our Valley. After a refreshing night’s sleep, each morning you will be offered a complete breakfast, with fresh Belgian waffles made by the hostess, along with 100% orange juice, oatmeal, eggs, tropical fruit and various breads or English muffins and yogurt. And all you want of fresh-brewed coffee or hot water and a choice of tea bags. What a great way to start a day of exploring the Santa Ynez Valley! (Note: See their ad for details about their special Discount Rate—and be sure to mention Promo Code 59.)

Santa Ynez Valley Marriott
www.santaynezhotels.com
Yet another wonderful place to stay is the luxurious Santa Ynez Valley Marriott hotel, which you can reach by turning left on Avenue of Flags, then another left to cross over Highway 101 and right on McMurray Road a short distance and you will see it on your right. This is a full-service hotel that now welcomes pets along with their human owners. In fact, they have reserved one ground-floor wing for this purpose. Upon registration, pets will be provided with appropriate food and water bowls, as well as other necessities and instructions about proper pet etiquette. There is a grassy area at the back of the hotel where dogs can be walked safely. 
We also suggest that you ask the desk staff at the Marriott about their special package vacations, which are truly spectacular. They also have special wine tasting, sightseeing and golf packages for you to choose from. For more information about one of their package offerings, see “A Day of Wine and Horses,” next on this page.
   The Marriott also has its own in-house restaurant, “The Starting Gate,” which we highly recommend for its excellent food and great service. During April, May and June they are offering a wonderful Dinner Deal: Buy one at regular price and get another of equal or lesser value for half--price. We plan to eat there often.
Great news for Starbuck’s fans! Even if you are not staying at the Marriott, you can stop by their newly decorated lobby for a cup of delicious Starbuck’s coffee. The new Starbuck’s shop at the Marriott is the only one in the Valley, and it offers the complete range of Starbuck’s coffees and other beverages.
  The Marriott also offers a full convention facility for events from 10 to 400 people, from corporate meetings to social and wedding receptions.
   The Marriott is now also a “True Green Hotel” and is working towards even more sustainable environmental practices. They have decreased their energy use and saved 65% on electric bills by replacing guestroom light bulbs with fluorescent lighting. They have also reduced water usage by 10% by replacing showerheads in every guestroom. Finally they have further conserved water, decreased use of detergents and saved energy by encouraging guests to re-use towels.

The Roasted Bean Coffee Shop
Now turn right on McMurray Road to reach Highway 246. Cross over to the easternmost side of the Albertson’s shopping center. From a shop several doors up from Blockbuster, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee will entice you into one of the most popular hangouts in town, the Roasted Bean. Their shop in Santa Ynez has been such a success that they have opened this new location in Buellton. Besides coffee, lattes and teas of every stripe, the Roasted Bean offers reasonably priced snacks and bakery items.  This is a great place to relax, both weekdays and weekends. And if you are traveling or walking with your dog, there’s a handy water dish for it near the outside tables, where you can sit and watch the action in the shopping center, or just enjoy our beautiful weather.
Special note: The Roasted Bean also sells bags of coffee beans, either freshly ground or ready for your home grinder. Our family’s favorite is their Kona bean, which we grind ourselves for special occasions.

Steve’s Wheel and Tire
Just across the parking lot is Steve’s Wheel and Tire shop, a friendly, competent local business that opened in 1968 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Owner/operator Steve Lykken works alongside his expert staff to repair or replace your brakes, tires or shocks. They also do computerized alignments and balancing, tire rotations and custom wheels. Our family has used Steve’s for three generations, because we know they are always honest and reliable—they’re not going to tell us we need something we don’t really need. What’s more, there’s no appointment necessary for most work—it’s done on a first come, first served basis.
You can enjoy a cup of coffee and read a magazine in their waiting room while your job is being done. In addition to their weekday hours, they’re open from 8 am. to noon on Saturdays, which is convenient if you work on weekdays or you’re traveling and have a tire problem. And ask Steve about his classic “Woody” station wagon while you’re there.

Antonio’s Pizza
Just across the parking lot from Steve’s, you will see Antonio’s Pizza, which has repeatedly won awards for making the best pizza in the Santa Ynez Valley. And they deserve every award they’ve gotten—we know from personal experience, as our office used to be very close by, and we ate a lot of their pizza. But Antonio’s offers much more than just pizza. They serve delicious spaghetti and marinara sauce to die for, with or without meatbslls, as well as other pastas, salads, sandwiches, and more. You can have just about anything, from just a slice of pizza to a full dinner–and everything is delicious.
They also serve coffee, tea and a full array of soft drinks, as well as beer and wine. There are game machines in a back room for kids of all ages, as well as an area where you can hold a private party, if you like. We held several of our son’s birthdays there, and we were recently invited to attend a birthday party there for a man in his 30’s.

China Panda Restaurant
This excellent Chinese restaurant recently relocated to just next door to Antonio’s. Their brand new dining room is beautifully appointed, with tasteful Chinese art work on the walls and all new tables, chairs and other furnishings. The China Panda has long been a favorite of our family at its former location, but we hope that the new place will bring in more customers.
 Our daughter-in-law is Chinese and she says that the food at the China Panda is the most authentic in the Santa Ynez Valley. When we all go there, she orders for us in Mandarin and we share dishes “family style,” passing them around the table and each taking some. There is always more than enough to go around, and we get to take home a few “to go” boxes for the next day’s lunch. I wanted to say what my favorite dish is, but there are so many that I like that I just can’t choose. A good way to get a sampling, including appetizers and soup, is to order one of the special “Dinner Combinations” designed for two or more people.